Iron Absorption in The Low Oxygen Exposure and Weight Status (LOWS) Study

Declines in iron status are common in those with obesity and may be due to obesity-related chronic inflammation; however, the effects of reducing inflammation following diet-induced weight loss on iron metabolism are poorly understood. Low environmental oxygen exposure increases dietary iron absorption and availability to supply iron for erythropoiesis but has not yet been tested in the context of weight loss. This study is designed to investigate diet-induced weight loss (inflammation reduction) and overnight low oxygen exposure (erythropoiesis stimulating agent) as strategies to improve dietary iron absorption in obesity.